Are there "lighter" forms of bi-polar disorder?

Question

I have extreme highs and lows-sometimes from day to day. My son saw a physciatrist about a year ago who asked if bi-polar disorder ran in our family because he thought it might be possible that he has it. Today is a low and I could barely get out of bed. Maybe I have some form of depression. Alcohol and drugs have nothing to do with it because I am sober almost 5 years. Something stupid will just set me off and then I will be in this state that I hate but it will usually only last a day or two then I am real happy again. Neither of the feelings that I get have ever made me do anything (except for back in my drinking days) that would harm myself or others. So I don't know.

Answer 1

Yes, Cyclothymia is the lower level form of Bipolar Disorder. There is also a distinction between Bipolar I (true major depressive episodes alternating with true manic episodes) and Bipolar II which is recurrent Major Depressive Episodes interspersed with hypomanic episodes.
I am not suggesting that you or don't have either disorder, but for more info you could refer to my previous post where I spelled out the criteria for each.

Answer 2

You definitely need to see a doctor or therapist. Depression is something that almost everyone will experience at one point in their lives, but when it starts to interfere with your everyday life, then the sign you need to see someone.

Depression can come in all forms, and all severities. That's why there's also SO many different variations of anti-depressants out there today. If your doctor finds that you need meds, he/she will be able to prescribe something that fits your current moods. Also, finding the right meds might take time. Everyone's bodies are different and react differently to meds. It might take a few months of trial and error.

Also, don't try to self-diagnose. You never know what it could be. It could be anxiety, stress, or a number of different things. Also, talking about it with a professional or friends can help.

Good luck, hun. Just know that you're not alone. Many people have felt what you're feeling, and there's no to ever be ashamed for seeking help.

Answer 3

Bipolar disorder, once known as manic-depression, is a psychiatric diagnosis referring to a mental health condition defined by periods of extreme, often inappropriate, and sometimes unpredictable mood states.

There are currently four types of bipolar illness. Bipolar I, Bipolar II, Cyclothymia, and Bipolar Disorder NOS (Not Otherwise Specified).

The behavioral manifestations of bipolar disorder are often not understood by patients nor recognized by mental health professionals, so people may suffer unnecessarily for over 10 years in some cases before receiving proper treatment.

Currently, bipolar disorder cannot be cured, though psychiatrists and psychologists believe that it can be managed.

The emphasis of treatment is on effective management of the long-term course of the illness, which usually involves treatment of emergent symptoms. Treatment methods include pharmacological and psychotherapeutic techniques.

A good prognosis results from good treatment which, in turn, results from an accurate diagnosis. Because bipolar disorder continues to have a high rate of both under-diagnosis and misdiagnosis, it is often difficult for individuals with the illness to receive timely and competent treatment.

Hope this helps.

Answer 4

There is such thing as a mixed mood disorder. The proper name is Bipolar 1 with a mixed episode, but it would be better if I new what you mean by "real" happy. You could be experiencing only depression, with different manifestations. A good mental helth professional who gets your full history and specifics of your mood and behaviors during these moods could give you the best answer.

Answer 5

There are several "strengths" of both depression and mania, so yes, you could call that a "lighter" form. Mild depression is called dysthymia, and mild mania is called hypomania. Labels don't matter as much as how you are functioning. Do you have problems due to your moods? If so, you may benefit from therapy and/or medication, no matter how they want to label your condition. Before there were labels for diagnoses, there were just people with problems, and it's always a good idea to seek help for your problems.

Answer 6

Hey, some bi-polar disorder is a huge misdiagnosis for hyperthyroidism, one psychiatrist's most common experience with bi-polar misdiagnosis.
I had it, almost. Missed it by one poitn on the little screening test they give you. After radiation, most anxiety and fast driving stopped.
So, you tell me, are we sure we're talking about bi-polar everytime we hear of it?
Yeah, I doubt it.
Good luck, love, and I hope you've had all of your blood tests done.